Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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November 01, 2022
WHEREAS, more than 30,000 Michiganders experienced homelessness in 2021; and,
WHEREAS, while numerous barriers existed in 2021 including the continuing COVID pandemic, there was also success in reducing the incidence of homelessness based on the 2021 Ending Homelessness in Michigan Data report including an overall 2% decrease in the population experiencing homelessness; and,
WHEREAS, 2021 data also shows a 5% increase in the number of families experiencing homelessness and a 2% increase in the number of seniors aged 55 years and over experiencing homelessness, underscoring the persistent challenge of homelessness; and,
WHEREAS, Racial disparities continue to be evident for people identifying as Black, Native American/Alaskan, Other/Multiracial, and Latinx experiencing homelessness in Michigan when comparing 2021 Point-in-Time (PIT) count data to broader Census demographics; and,
WHEREAS, lack of affordable housing remains a significant community issue impacting persons seeking housing in a community of their choice; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness set its course to continue work on ending homelessness in 2022-23 with strategic focus on increasing access and reducing barriers to housing, using cross-sector collaboration, enhancing the homeless delivery system, and increasing prevention and diversion efforts to mitigate the risk of becoming homeless; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the governor-appointed Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Michigan Homeless Policy Council, and Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness are some of the many dedicated entities in our state whose efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of many residents enduring homelessness in our communities; and,
WHEREAS, during this month of November, we must show our gratitude for the dedicated and impactful work of our front-line homeless response system staff and provider partners serving those enduring homelessness in recognition of the 2022 theme “Homeless not Hopeless;”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2022 as Homeless Awareness Month in Michigan.